But for some (usually fine, flat-haired individuals), a beach day lends waves, while others find it incredibly drying (seawater can suck moisture from the strands—see the issue for moisture-loving curls and coils?). Take this easy-to-make DIY sea salt spray, for instance: It pays homage to the beach while making sure your hair stays nourished and hydrated. No matter whether your hair is flat, wavy, kinky, or coiled, behold the beloved sea salt spray. And according to Jana Blankenship, product formulator, founder of the natural beauty brand Captain Blankenship, and author of Wild Beauty, you probably have all the ingredients already at your disposal. Here’s what you’ll need: Once it starts to boil, remove from the heat and add your salt, stirring until it’s dissolved. Let the mixture cool completely before adding in your aloe vera, carrier oil, and essential oils. Once it’s all incorporated, pour the mixture into a spray bottle (it should yield about 4 ounces, Blankenship says) and store in a cool, dry place. You can even sleep in one or multiple braids to really accentuate the wave: “Undo the braid in the morning, and let your wavy mane flow,” Blankenship adds. For hair with already a bit of bend, you can spray the mixture all over wet or dry strands, scrunch, and let air-dry. If you find your waves fall flat throughout the day, feel free to spritz any time you want to revive the wavy texture. “It’s an instant pick-me-up,” says Blankenship. For curls, kinks, and coils, lack of volume might not be your main gripe (unless, of course, you find your curls lay limp at the root). But this sea salt spray does so much more: “The aloe vera and carrier oil to the salt water add moisture, shine, and light hold,” explains Blankenship. So even if you’re looking strictly for moisture and hold with a bit of definition, the spray has you covered. Just spritz onto sopping wet hair post-wash, and you’ll boast defined, hydrated curls, minus any crunch. With added oils and hydrating ingredients, this DIY sea salt spray is one for the books; you’ll have people wondering whether you just stepped foot off the sand.
